In order to borrow a PLUS loan, follow the three (3) steps below

PLUS loans are unsubsidized loans for the parents of dependent students. PLUS loans help pay for education expenses up to the student’s cost of attendance minus all other financial assistance. Interest is charged during all periods.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Direct Loan Servicing Center will conduct a credit check on the parent borrower before approving the loan. If the loan is denied because of an adverse credit history, the Direct Loan Servicing Center will notify the parent. In this event, the parent may get an endorser for the loan, or the dependent student can apply for an additional Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan.

While a FAFSA in not a requirement for receiving a PLUS loan, we recommend that the student has completed the 2010-2011 FAFSA.  This will ensure that the student is awarded as much aid as possible.  To complete the FAFSA click here.

In order for Financial Aid Services to receive your FAFSA results the student must be admitted to HCC and have a Social Security Number (SSN) on file with Admissions and Advising.  Please sure to list HCC as a school on your FAFSA (code 008175).

Parent eligibility requirements for a Direct PLUS Loan:

You must be the student's biological or adoptive parent or the student's stepparent, if the biological or adoptive parent has remarried at the time of application. Your child must be a dependent student who is enrolled at least half-time (6 credits or more). For financial aid purposes, a student is considered "dependent" if he or she is under 24, unmarried, and has no legal dependents at the time the FAFSA is submitted. (Exceptions are made for veterans, wards of court, and other special circumstances.) If a student is considered dependent, then the income and the assets of the parent have to be reported on the FAFSA.

Additional requirements to receive a PLUS loan:

Parent PLUS loan borrowers cannot have an adverse credit history (a credit check will be done). In addition, parents and their dependent child must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens, must not be in default on any federal education loans or owe an overpayment on a federal education grant, and must meet other general eligibility requirements for the Federal Student Aid programs.

Step 1

Click here to complete the PLUS loan worksheet.  Make sure all answers are complete before you print this form out.  You will need this when you see a financial aid counselor.

Step 2

Click here to begin your PLUS application process.  You will need to ‘sign in’ using your PIN number.  Click here if you forgot your PIN or need a new one.  Once you have signed in select “start PLUS application process.”  Make sure you select "Parent PLUS" and list Howard Community College as your school.  A credit check is required.  If approved you will sign the Master Promissory Note (MPN).  When finished your MPN you may view/download the PDF version of your completed MPN.  Print page 1 only of the PDF version to bring with you to the counselor.

If you have already completed your MPN and forgot to print it click here.  Once you have signed in using your PIN, select “completed MPNs” and print page 1 of the “view PDF.”

If you are having trouble accessing this site, please click here for site requirements.

Step 3

When the steps above are complete, sign in to meet with a financial aid counselor who will determine your loan eligibility.  Make sure you bring your loan worksheet and a copy of page 1 of your MPN.  Financial Aid counselors are available Monday-Thursday.  Click here to see hours available.

An approved credit check is only valid for 90 days so you must meet with a counselor within 90 days of approval.

** If the PLUS loan has been denied, the student is eligible for an additional unsubsidized loan.  Please fill in the following worksheet and bring this worksheet, along with a copy of the PLUS denial to Financial Aid Services.  The student will have to meet with a counselor.